The Tennessee Titans defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-13 in Friday's preseason finale. It represented the final opportunity for the team's roster-bubble players to make a good impression on head coach Brian Callahan. General manager Mike Borgonzi is now tasked with finalizing the initial 53-man roster by Tuesday afternoon.
The Titans promoted competition at various positions. Difficult decisions must be made at wide receiver, safety, linebacker, and across the offensive and defensive lines. As owners of the top priority on the waiver wire, the Titans also plan to upgrade their roster by claiming several players who are waived around the league.
With Tuesday's deadline looming large, we've submitted our final 53-man roster projection.
Titans cut recent draft picks in final 53-man roster prediction
Quarterbacks: Cameron Ward, Brandon Allen
The Titans will only carry two quarterbacks. Perhaps there'll be an opportunity to upgrade on Brandon Allen after cuts are made around the league. The coaching staff appreciates Allen, though, and this season is all about developing Cam Ward.
Running backs: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears (IR*), Julius Chestnut, Kalel Mullings
Perhaps Tyjae Spears will be placed on IR to free up a roster spot given that he's been sidelined for multiple weeks with a high-ankle sprain. Annual preseason winner Julius Chestnut has played his way onto the roster. Rookie Kalel Mullings had flashes throughout the exhibition, and projects as a good special teams player.
Wide receivers: Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, Van Jefferson, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Bryce Oliver, James Proche II
James Proche II should be the starting punt returner, guaranteeing his roster spot. Undrafted free agent Xavier Restrepo never did enough to play his way onto the team. Bryce Oliver is the most heartwarming story, going from sophomore UDFA to roster lock.
Tight ends: Chig Okonkwo, Gunnar Helm, David Martin-Robinson
Josh Whyle, a 2023 fifth-round pick, projects as one of the more notable cuts. David Martin-Robinson has outperformed both Whyle and Thomas Odukoya for the final roster spot. Chig Okonkwo and Gunnar Helm will do the heavy lifting.
Offensive line: Dan Moore Jr., Peter Skoronski, Lloyd Cushenberry, Kevin Zeitler, JC Latham, John Ojukwu, Corey Levin, Jackson Slater, Oli Udoh, Blake Hance
The Titans have tough decisions to make at offensive tackle. John Ojukwu has a defined skill-set as the jumbo sixth blocker, and Oli Udoh consistently worked ahead of projected cut Jaelyn Duncan. Blake Hance increases his chances by having four-position versatility.
Defensive line: Jeffery Simmons, T’Vondre Sweat, Sebastian Joseph-Day, James Lynch, Carlos Watkins
Carlos Watkins feels like a placeholder for a waiver claim. James Lynch was among the defense's best performers in the preseason. The trio of Jeffery Simmons, T'Vondre Sweat, and Sebastian Joseph-Day is among the best units on the team.
EDGE: Arden Key, Femi Oladejo, Dre’Mont Jones, Jihad Ward, Jaylen Harrell
EDGE is the biggest sore spot on the roster. Borgonzi must improve at least one spot via a veteran free-agent addition or waiver claim. Jaylen Harrell feels like the placeholder until an upgrade can be secured.
Linebackers: Cody Barton, James Williams, Cedric Gray, Curtis Jacobs
Linebacker is another position that requires attention on the waiver wire. Cody Barton, Cedric Gray, and James Williams are the only NFL-caliber players here, but keeping three is too light. Curtis Jacobs or Brian Asamoah could be retained for special teams, but they shouldn't get too comfortable.
Cornerbacks: L’Jarius Sneed, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Roger McCreary, Marcus Harris, Darrell Baker Jr., Gabe Jeudy-Lally
L'Jarius Sneed may be healthy for Week 1, potentially providing the defense with a big boost. A common theme throughout the defense, the depth at cornerback should be upgraded via the waiver wire. Both Darrell Baker Jr. and Gabe Jeudy-Lally are candidates to be replaced.
Safeties: Amani Hooker, Xavier Woods, Kevin Winston Jr., Julius Wood, Quandre Diggs
There's legitimate competition for the fifth safety roster spot. Mike Brown, Julius Wood, and Kendell Brooks all played quality football throughout the preseason. Wood, who has upside on defense and special teams, should possess the slight advantage.
Specialists: Joey Slye (K), Johnny Hekker (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
Joey Slye hit a 63-yard bomb in the preseason finale. Johnny Hekker also punted much better versus the Vikings compared to his previous showings. Morgan Cox is the best long snapper in football.